Papers relating to the service of Stewart Murray Hansen, 1915 - 1917 - Part 15

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interest and each movement could be carried out without
much brain trouble. The men entered into the whole
scheme with fine spirit and although tired after the day's
work they contentedly trudged their way homeward singing.
Today is pay day and consequently quiet, as these
days are only occupied by kit inspections until the money
is made available for distribution after which a percentage
of men are allowed leave to Ismailia.
I have a large box of letters before me awaiting censorship
so will have to end my correspondence and give
the men a chance of catching the mail.
Yours etc
Stewart
P.S. Last week "Zola" photographers Cairo forwarded
1 doz photos to Pasco St for me. One - of the best -
is to be kept for Hilda M. who will probably
call for same.
S. 

Moascar Camp
Ismailia, Egypt.
6-2-16
Dear All,
The week has been one continuous drudge of heavy
work. Three divisional tactical exercises occurred
on three successive days and the latter one continued over
night culminating in a dawn attack after which we
spelled for the remainder of the day
I started off the week by having to arrange a military
funeral for one of the original Battalion who was killed
in Ismailia during a brawl with military Police.
This took place on Monday afternoon last with five
honours including Gun carriage and band.
Field firing practices interested us during Monday
morning and several good shots were discovered for the
first time.
Tuesday was devoted to a Battalion tactical scheme
consisting if an attack on a prepared position after which
we marched merrily to Ismailia lake to bathe, then
along Abbasieh canal through the town, home.
Wednesday & Thursday consisted of long marches
towards the flank of a supposed enemy who were
advancing upon the canal defences. 

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These attacks were repelled and while we rested on Friday
word was received of an enemy column having appeared
at another portion of the defensive line and at 9 pm
we were ordered to advance to make battle with them,
consequently after marching during darkness until
5 am we were deemed to have sighted the convoy and
were ordered to take cover and keep quiet until dawn.
This we did by burrowing into the sand and going
to sleep. At 5.45 am the charge sounded and those who
heard it charged while the others still slumbered peaceably.
Saturday feeling worn and fatigued with heavy
hearts, eyes and feet we remained in camp.
Our tenth reinforcement, after being in Zeitoun for several
weeks arrived in camp during our advance and made
everything comfortable for themselves.
Three new officers arrived with them and with the
addition of several promotions from N.C.O's of late
our strength has gone up by leaps and bounds until
we are now nearly of complete war establishment.
I received cablegram safely and return thank
for same. it arrived on 4^th inst. Good luck
reciprocated to all friends.
Owing to aforementioned circumstances of horse hard

training it is impossible for me to discover much news
of importance to impart to you.
Consequently Au Revoir
Stewart.

14^th BATTALION
4^th BRIGADE
HELMIEH
Moascar Camp
Ismailia
16-2-16
Dear All,
Time flies very fast these days of toil on the desert
sands adjoining Suez Canal. Our work consists principally
of Divisional tactical operationS by day and night and
average two to three per week. Other days are divided up between
Brigade manoeuver and Battalion exercises.
The men are as fit as possible and have quite recovered from
the effects of the inactive yet dangerous living on Gallipoli.
 Am enclosing a cutting containing a published diary
of a New Zealand officer who was present during the evacuation
of Anzac. It is well written and very effectively describes
the feelings of one during the anxious moments of so
stupendous a task. Unfortunately all my diaries prior
to January 1^st are "somewhere in the universe" and I can not
find any trace of their whereabouts.
Truly a soldiers life is anything but monotonous. While
indulging in field firing exercises the other day word was
received of the accidental killing of one of our original men.
Returning to camp for lunch we were ordered to provide a
funeral and firing party. A gun carriage was duly requisitioned
for and obtained, and the party proceeded to the Hospital
at Ismailia. The sight was extremely impressive after the

14^th BATTALION
4^th BRIGADE
HELMIEH
EGYPT.
Moascar Camp
Ismailia
12/2/16
after the mode of burial adopted on the battlefield.
Our Brigade Band excelled itself during the performance.
Hard luck for the man after coming safely thro' the
Anzac campaign.
Bathing is indulged in on certain days of the week in
Lake Tismah thru' which runs the Suez Canal. The water

is very cold and salt even tho' the day be a scorcher.
This month is the anniversary of our first arrival in

Egypt in addition to an anniversary of my own. Many
thanks for cable which reached me on Feb 4^th appropriately
the same day as forwarded from Melbourne. Being 8 hours
behind your time, would explain the apparent speed of
transit.
Our Battalion has not lost any of its fame for "esprit de corps"
The camp site has been converted into a regular picture by
voluntary efforts of the men themselves. Despite the fact of everything
being sand, the keen but friendly rivalry has caused
waste to be turned on a garden of neatness and
cleanliness. Tents are properly aligned and pegged
Kits are uniformly stacked at 6.30 am each morning
Blankets folded in military fashion and miscellaneous
gear neatly stacked in rows. The rifles are in an
exceptional state of cleanliness and the mechanism

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14 BATTALION
4^th BRIGADE
HELMIEH
EGYPT.
16/2/16
Highly polished and working smoothly. The men are keen
at all work given them, but dearly love a "good time"
when on leave.
One thing could be improved and that is the scale of
rations issued. The English Tommy apparently does not
need as much nourishment as the Colonial and our men
are always crying out for more tucker. As pay days are
every fourteen days now, they are able to buy additional
stores for themselves. Tinned fruit, fresh bread and
beer are the most essential extras bought by them
Our C.O gave a £5 prize to the Company adjudged having
the best lines (military idea). There was also several £1 prizes
for the neatest tent and general tourn turnout of
perso^nnel including dress and equipment. "The" company
"D" won the £5 and one £1 prize on the award of the
G.O.C. Brigade. General Monash. The camp life of soldiers
is always reflected in the field work so/naturally the

Brigadier was highly delighted and it took a week for
him to finally award his positions.
Our battalion strength has been enormously increased
during the last month owing to the influx of reinforcements.
But changes of immense proportions are to take place
during this week. Battle casualties are practically

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14^th BATTALION
4^th BRIGADE
HELMIEH

EGYPT.
nil at present - a few only along the canal defence - 
therefore the large number of reinforcements unable to find
room in the Battalions have to be placed somewhere.
Eventually the 16 Battalions of Infantry - the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th
Brigades - which belonged to the original Imperial Force
will be divided into 32 Battalions each containing
half of the experienced officers and men, and the war
strength will be completed by the addition of reinforcement
officers and men. I have been promised a position
in the new 14^th Bn (that means I will not be transferred
to the other half, the 46^th Bn) and will soon get promotion,
at least no-one can lose in position by the complete
re-cast of Divisions.
The most sorrowful part about the whole business is that
the original "Anzac's" are to be no more. The 4^th Brigade 
will be detached from the New Zealanders -
unfortunately - and there is weeping and gnashing of
teeth in consequence as we have trained, fought and
suffered together for upwards of twelve months.
To celebrate the occasion of this separation the New Zealanders
gave a farewell concert and smoke night. The
New Zealand General felt the break so keenly that on
attempting to speak he broke down. General Monash

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14^th BATTALION
4^th BRIGADE
HELMIEH

EGYPT.
16/2/16
was nearly as bad but managed an eloquent speech of
farewell which caused rousing cheers.
Our friends the Maoris headed by their Doctor danced and
sunk a farewell "Hacka" in full warrior dress and
paint. The Dr prefacing the performance with a
short speech in excellent English.
Afterwards the officers were entertained in the corresponding
officers' messes of the N.Z. Brigade also the N.C.Os in
the N.C.O. messes. We arrived at camp at 12 midnight.
Today I am O.C Aerodrome Guard at the Royal Flying
Corps' Aerodrome and have already spent an interesting
day "guarding" these wonderful machines. I have not
been invited to go for a spin in one yet but am
not anxious to "push my fame" in. I would go in
one the minute I get the chance. No flies on this chicken.
Guess you have got good money this time and
as I have to be up all night, I will finish
Yours
Stewart

GRAND CONTINENTAL HOTEL
Cairo March 14^th 1916
Dear All
Four weeks since I wrote
but stress of work owing to new
organisation has been the issue.
At present am enjoying four days
quiet at above Hotel.
We have left the New Zealand &
Australian Division and now belong
to 4^th Australian Division
but address is the same
14^th Bn
4^th Inf. Bde
A.I.F.
Tel-el-Kebir is our new home and
since moving there many Williamstown
boys have made themselves known.
My permanent rank of Captain has
been gazetted since arrival in Cairo.
Mr Millar's friend - Walt - ran
across me recently and as he is
almost a recent arrival we had
quite a number of chats.
Received several delayed letters
a few days ago but as I have not
them with me I can not tell you the
dates.
Egypt is getting very warm and
is even more trying then the cold
except at night when everything is
beautiful.
Since arriving back from Hospital
I have been unattached to any
particular Company being usually
employed on special work but
now my promotion is gazetted

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I expect to be attached to a 
Company. However things should
be moving here in the near
future, destination unknown,
and with five divisions of
Australians - four here &
one in Australia being formed -
we should make some sort of a 
hit wherever we are sent.
Personally I expect to be here at
least two months before moving
but circumstances alter cases
and everything depends on the way
the war goes from day to day. 
Our old friend Turkey seems
inclined to knuckle under.
I hope so.
It is an accepted theory that
something decisive will happen
this year but anything may
happen in a very short time.
4.
A large consignment of gifts arrived
recently for our Brigade and
were just as eagerly accepted as the
billies.
Cairo is dull so I am having
a quiet rest in the lounge and
will probably visit the pictures
tonight.
Saw George Knox - Dave
Williams & friend - He is
Adjutant of 45^th Bn and will
probably become Captain
in a few weeks. He was
a Sergeant with me on the
"Ulysees" coming from Australia
last December twelve months.
You might give my name a
rest from the paper for a while
they will want me to fill a page
shortly.
Am well and tired of Egypt.
Yours
Stewart
Capt.